Sir Alex Ferguson: Dimitar Berbatov was not a failure at Manchester United

AFTER leaving Manchester United in the summer, Fulham striker Dimitar Berbatov returns to the club in the FA Cup today and Sir Alex Ferguson has praised the impact the Bulgarian had during his time at Old Trafford.

SIR ALEX FERGUSON is adamant Dimitar Berbatov should not be regarded as a £30million failure at Manchester United.

Berbatov will return to Old Trafford tomorrow for the first time since his four-year United stay came to an end with a summer switch to Fulham.

Debate still rages among the Red Devils faithful about the Bulgarian’s merits.

Some point to his hat-trick against Liverpool in September 2010 or the five goals he belted past Blackburn three months later. Those helped win the Golden Boot prize along with Carlos Tevez and formed part of an overall tally of 57 goals in 149 appearances, as evidence that the 31-year-old was genuine class.

Others argue a succession of lacklustre displays – and the fact Ferguson did not even give him a place on the bench for the 2011 Champions League Final – is proof of a limited contribution.

In the end, Ferguson concedes Berbatov was eased out because Javier Hernandez made more of an impact but he refuses to accept the signing was a waste of time.

He said: “I don’t think Dimitar was a failure here. Some people like to see players run through brick walls all the time. Dimitar is not that type of player but he is very talented and he had a decent goalscoring record here.”

The argument goes that Berbatov is better at a club like Fulham, where Martin Jol can construct a team around him, than United where he was just one of a number of superstars.

But Ferguson said: “The problem for him here was the way we wanted to play and the selections I had to make. Hernandez had a fantastic first season and as time went on he became a more regular player than Dimitar.”

As is the case ahead of every FA Cup tie United now play, Ferguson underlined how keen he is to win the tournament for a sixth time.

Not surprising given the last of his previous five came in 2004.

Ferguson said: “We all know at this club that we haven’t done well in this tournament for a few years now but we have the benefit of a home draw, which I always say we would want.”

Meanwhile, Fulham boss Jol revealed his side’s priority is Premier League survival – but admits he doesn’t have the squad to prove it.

The Cottagers slipped to within six points of the relegation zone having won just two league games since November with Jol revealing cup clashes are simply a bonus.

He said: “The league is the priority but we can’t play different teams. You won’t see the priorities in my decision making on the team sheet because we still play the same team – there is not a lot of difference.”